Design Notes
There’s nothing quite like the warm weather and smell of blooming flowers that come with springtime. While you may have grown used to cozying up indoors during the colder months, now you can start spending more time tending to your garden, playing with your kids in the yard, and kicking back on the patio while enjoying the sun.
But in order to fully enjoy your time outside (and potentially save yourself from having to pay for expensive home repairs in the future), you will need to perform some basic home maintenance. To help you get started, here are some key areas to tackle this spring, brought to you by Greenbrook Design.
Roof
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the harsh winter elements, not to mention it’s a critical part of your home’s structure. Each spring, walk around your home and thoroughly inspect the roof. Leaks and missing/broken shingles are signs that attention is required.
If you wait too long before getting your roof repaired, you risk extensive water damage and/or the need for a full replacement. If you have a leak, you might be able to temporarily patch it until the pros arrive. Take a flashlight to your attic to locate the source of the leak. Then, if you can reach the hole, use roofing tar to cover the hole with plywood or a shingle.
Gutters and Downspouts
Chances are, you have leaves, sticks, and other debris clogging your gutters and downspouts, which can lead to undetected water damage. With a heavy-duty ladder and some gardening gloves, remove any unwelcome materials from your gutters and downspouts to ensure that water will properly drain away from your house.
Lawn Care Equipment
As early as possible, bring out your power lawn equipment to clean it and make sure everything runs smoothly. Also, put fresh motor oil in and sharpen the blades on your mower. If necessary, take your mower, weed trimmer, and any other type of equipment in for repair so that it’s ready to perform well for the next few months.
HVAC System
Any time the seasons change, it’s important to replace the filters in your HVAC system. Not only does this help to keep your home healthy, but it also reduces the strain on your HVAC. And when your HVAC is working harder than it should, it can significantly shorten its life expectancy and result in a much higher utility bill.
Foundation Vents
Similar to your gutters and downspouts, your foundation vents can accumulate a lot of leaves and other debris throughout fall and winter. This can block the airflow through the vents, which can lead to several other problems, such as water damage, mold, and pests. Clear all the debris away from the vents, and if necessary, wash and vacuum the vents or replace them.
Greenbrook Design
Walker WoodworkingDesign trends are shifting, and people are looking to maximize space by combining rooms, so the laundry room has been built to meet this demand. A mudroom combined with a laundry room can be a great area. As the family enters the home, they can drop off any dirty clothing, eliminating any major messes. This is also a logical spot to have the dog feeding area or even the litter box, both of which prevent your guests from seeing the dirty side of your pets. A small pet bathing area can be added, making it convenient to wash the dog and then dry it with the towel in the washer. There are a few other combinations, including a pantry or bathroom. Be sure to consider what matters most to you and your family’s needs.
GreenbrookWith more people spending extended time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many have realized their living spaces could use an upgrade. While you might think you need to wait for a design center to reopen to begin your renovation, that’s no longer the case. Greenbrook Design now offers virtual design consultations, allowing you to start planning your beautiful and functional space without delay. From concept to execution, our team can guide you through the process remotely—ensuring your project stays on track and reflects your vision, all from the comfort and safety of your home.
Walker Woodworking Accessible and Universal Homes are sweeping the home design industry! People are catching on to the IMMENSE VALUE of a home designed to make life easier. With all the challenges that life brings, the way you live in your home doesn’t have to be one. The techniques of Accessible and Universal Design can create greater ease and comfort right into your daily life before potential challenges become an issue.
Why are mudrooms so popular? We all know the scenario: that once-beautiful foyer quickly becomes a catch-all for shoes, backpacks, coats, and more, creating clutter and chaos. Everyone wants to keep their home organized and visually appealing, but life can get messy. That’s where the mudroom comes in.
Greenbrook Design
Greenbrook Design